Panchkula administration ramps up efforts to curb spread of vector-borne diseases

To strengthen preparedness against vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Monika Gupta chaired a high-level review meeting at the Mini Secretariat Auditorium. The meeting, organised by the Health Department, aimed to streamline preventive efforts across departments ahead of the monsoon peak season.

Gupta instructed officials of Municipal Corporation (MC) and Municipal Council Kalka to intensify fogging operations across the district on a regular and urgent basis. She emphasised that all concerned departments must take timely and coordinated action to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. However, the date to commence the fogging process across the city has not been specified yet.

The DC also appealed to residents to maintain cleanliness in and around their homes, especially ensuring that no stagnant water is allowed to collect, which could serve as mosquito breeding grounds.

Highlighting that the dengue mosquito typically bites during the day and most commonly affects children between the ages of 0 to 18, the DC directed the Education Department to ensure that all students in the district wear full-sleeve shirts and trousers to school. A compliance report from all schools is to be submitted, and the District Education Officer has been instructed to issue circulars to both government and private schools accordingly.

Gupta further appealed to the public to clean rooftops, drains, and other areas where clean water may collect, and to keep water containers properly covered at all times to prevent mosquito larvae from developing.